Throughout August, a packed programme of events brought people into Andover town centre, supporting local organisations, artists and performers while creating opportunities for people to take part.

Local young people have helped create a striking new mural on Chantry Street, transforming a town centre walkway with artwork inspired by their own experiences, ideas and creativity.

The sounds, flavours and traditions of communities from around the world will fill Andover High Street on Monday 31 August as the popular World Street Party returns for its third year.

The free family-friendly event will run from midday to 5pm and visitors can enjoy an afternoon packed with live performances, interactive workshops and international food. Performers, activity leaders and stallholders will share their talents, heritage, stories and experiences.

Families are invited to join the celebrations as Four Fun Fridays marks its tenth anniversary this August with a programme of free creative activities, performances and workshops.

Organised by Test Valley Borough Council, the much-loved summer event returns every Friday throughout August with this year's theme, Eco Explorers, encouraging children and their families to discover the incredible diversity of life on Earth and learn how they can help protect it.

Hundreds of families headed into Andover town centre on Saturday 25 July to celebrate the start of the school holidays as Step into Summer returned with a day of free arts, culture and creativity.

Step into Summer returns to Andover town centre on Saturday 25 July, with a free interactive arts trail for children and families to kick off the school holidays. Organised by the Andover Network of Cultural Organisations (ANCO), families can explore venues across the town centre, take part in activities, collect stamps and solve the secret word to win a prize. 

Young people with creative ideas and a passion for business are invited to get involved as the popular Young Traders markets return to Andover for a second year.

This year’s Young Traders markets will take place on Sunday 12 July on Andover High Street and Sunday 6 December in the Chantry Centre. They are open to anyone aged 11 to 25 and give young people the chance to sell their handmade products in a real market environment.

It is free to apply and trade, making this an accessible opportunity for young people to gain real-life experience, build confidence and see how their ideas connect with customers.

Andover town centre will burst into bloom this weekend as the annual Gardening Fair returns to the High Street on Sunday 17 May, from 10am to 4pm.

The much-loved event brings together local growers, independent traders and community organisations for a day celebrating gardening, sustainability and creativity. Visitors can browse a wide selection of plants, including locally grown and specialist varieties, alongside a range of garden accessories, handmade goods and advice from community groups.

The Andover Christmas Festival has become one of the town’s most anticipated annual events, bringing people together and showcasing the very best of local talent, businesses, and festive cheer. For many families, it has become a cherished tradition that marks the start of the holiday season, creating lasting memories. For local businesses, it is one of the busiest and most rewarding nights of the year.

How do you create a puppet that represents the heritage and many cultures of Andover residents? This was the task we gave locally-based artist Kezia Hoffman and the Andover Cultural Sharing Group.